Among them, one of the Meon Valley Travel teams; Meon Medix Support is thought to have modified a former ambulance, while Sunvil’s Wright Fliers’ name may give a clue to its theme, despite the team having paid only £200 for their car on eBay – and which broke down just hours after it was purchased. TTG Media’s Edward Robertson, editor of Routes News and a budding Jeremy Clarkson, will also be joining the rally.

Boy (and girl) racers will have the chance to drive around the famous Nurburgring circuit, although Archer said: “I’m sure Holiday Extras won’t want to blow up their Subaru there like they did before.”

Teams are departing for the three-day adventure without any mechanical support. “None of us know anything about cars,” Archer admitted. Previous entrants, had, she said, finished the race with their vehicles on low loaders after pushing them too hard.

Participants will also face a series of challenges throughout the drive and will earn points for wearing fancy dress each day. Winning teams will receive cash prizes for their chosen charity.

Previous crusades have raised more than £70,000 for good causes and the aim this year is to bring the overall total to more than £100,000.

“If there are any companies that want to give us some sponsorship, we have some opportunities – we will put their logos on the website and it will be on a banner that goes around Europe with us,” Archer said. She added that there were still some late opportunities to enter the crusade, but warned: “Hotel availability is really, really tight; you might have to bring a tent or sleep in your car.”